What Matters to God?

How adventurous are you when it comes to trying foods from other countries? Have you moved to a new community and felt like an outsider? Have you ever felt like an outsider or foreigner in a church setting?

The Bible recalls a time when Jesus was upset by what He saw as people were coming to worship in the temple. Just outside the temple it seemed more like a place of business. Vendors were selling all the necessary supplies people needed to worship properly. Jesus was upset because people should be joyfully and reverently entering this place He called “a house of prayer for all people” but their way was filled with distractions and people who wanted to take advantage of them. Mark 11:15-18

We may want to consider, what is the purpose of a church? Is it:

• A gathering of sinners?
• A private club for protection from the evil of the world?
• A first aid station for the neighborhood?

Also notice that in this account in Mark, Jesus says His message is “for all people (v17).” His message, His gift of eternal life, is available to all who believe in Him. As the Church, we should joyfully welcome all who come to hear this message!

There are times in life when we may feel like an outsider. Sometimes we might feel unacceptable to God. It’s good to be reminded of His invitation and promises:
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5b
“And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b

What matters to God? Here are three Bible verses to help us know:

• “My hands have made both heaven and earth; they and everything in them are mine. I, the Lord, have spoken! ‘I will bless those who have humble and contrite hearts, who tremble at my word.’” Isaiah 66:1,2
• “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30,31
• “But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Matthew 9:13

What matters to God?

• Love Him and live for Him above all else.
• Love the people you encounter. God may be asking you to help, support, comfort and tell them about Jesus.
• Know how much He loves you and cares about you.
• He is always with you.

Closing Prayer: Dear Father, help us to listen to Your Holy Spirit; alive and powerful in our lives. Help us seek to be the light, witnesses, and caregivers to the people you place in our lives. Guard us from getting trapped in do’s and don’ts and criticisms that distract us from Your calling in our lives. Thank you for restoring our relationship through Jesus. Amen.